Apple frequently introduces features that surprise viewers, and the April Spring Loaded event was no exception. In addition to the M1 iPad Pro and the freshly updated iMac, Center Stage was another feature that generated excitement. Apple’s Center Stage is an innovative new feature for iPads (reemerging following there recent iPad mini 6 launch) that makes video calling enjoyable and simple, making things convenient for both working professionals and creators. However, what precisely is Center Stage, how does it operate, and how does one make the feature available on an iPad? Here, we address all of these questions and more while educating you on how to use Apple’s Center Stage function.
Apple s Center Stage Feature: Explained (2021)
Although we will go into great depth regarding Center Stage, if you are an iPad user, you probably just want to get to the point. Utilize the table below to skip to that section if you want to learn how to use it right away.
What is Apple s Center Stage Feature?
Apple uses the iPad’s front-facing ultra-wide true-depth camera as part of the Center Stage feature to enhance the user experience during video calls. Center Stage concentrates on a subject inside the camera frame and follows them across the complete field of view in order to make the camera follow the user. As a result, when you move during a video conference after turning on Center Stage, the iPad camera will virtually follow you around. This is accomplished by the camera automatically panning and zooming as necessary to fill the picture. It guarantees that you will remain the call’s main subject and remain in view at all times.
However, the iPad’s camera will automatically zoom out to make room for everyone if additional users reach the Center Stage area while a call is in progress, as seen in the GIF above. For iPad owners who frequently engage in video conferences or even for those eager to try out new uses for their devices, Center Stage is a really helpful feature. Really nice, no?
Center Stage is the Cupertino company’s contribution to the iPad lineup, even if you may have seen similar technology available on the Facebook Portal or the Amazon Echo Show 10.
How Does iPad Center Stage Work?
Apple claims that Center Stage provides a fluid follow-through experience by combining machine intelligence and the iPad OS 15 operating system intelligently. When Center Stage is activated on a compatible iPad, it begins by recording video with a 122-degree wide-angle field of vision. However, the front camera digitally zooms in/out as necessary as users go closer or farther away.
This technique can also be used to follow a user throughout the room as Center Stage follows them with the camera. Center Stage on the iPad has a range, though, so if users stray too far from the tablet, the feature won’t function. Making your video calls more interesting is the main point of Center Stage.
What Devices Support Center Stage?
Center Stage currently only works with a few different Apple iPad models. Center Stage is presently compatible with the following iPad models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad (9th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
How to Enable or Disable Center Stage on iPad
You must be eager to use Apple’s Center Stage feature after learning everything there is to know about it. Now that we’ve gotten to that point—no pun intended—show let’s you how to activate Center Stage on your iPad. To use this function, make sure your compatible iPad has the most recent version of iPadOS (15). We’ll use the Facetime app for this lesson to keep things simple. Without further ado, adhere to the instructions below:
1. Start your iPad’s Facetime application.
2. To access the Control Center when the app is active, swipe downward from the top right corner.
3. The Center Stage option is then accessed by tapping the Effectssettings tile.
4. To enable the Center Stage option, tap it.
You are now ready to go. On your iPad, Center Stage will now function during FaceTime calls. To test it out, you don’t even have to make a Facetime call. The camera will follow you around if you simply place your iPad somewhere and go back and forth in front of it. Want to witness it in use? See how Apple’s Center Stage feature works in action in the video down below:
How to Use Apple s Center Stage on Mac?
There is a solution for Mac users who have been waiting to find out how to use the iPad’s Center Stage function on their PC. The Camoapp may be familiar to you if you keep up with the latest apps available. Camo is software created by Reincubate that enables Mac users to make video calls on their iPhones and iPads.
Despite the fact that Camo has been available for some time, support for the Center Stage function was only recently introduced to the app. After this update, owners of 2021 iPad Pro models may now connect their iPads to a Mac and make video calls using the Mac’s front-facing camera. In a recent tweet, Reincubate showed us this useful functionality, and it appears that iPad Pro owners can now use Camo and Center Stage together. Additionally, Camo offers comprehensive support for third-party video calling programmes including Google Meet, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Discord, Slack, and Facebook Messenger, among others.
Would you like to give it a shot for yourself? You can use Camo’s free trial before purchasing a respectably priced subscription to use the Center Stage functionality of the iPad on your Mac. Install a camouflage webcam on a Mac or PC. (Pro subscriptions are free, but start at $4.99 per month.)
Apple Center Stage: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Center Stage Feature Free to Use?
Center Stage is a feature that comes pre-installed on Apple’s most recent iPad model. Center Stage is totally free to use and retain because it is a hardware-dependent function. While certain third-party video conferencing programmes, like Facetime and Zoom, are free to use, there may be a fee for using them.
Will Center Stage Come to Older iPads?
The new 12MP ultra-wide front-facing camera on iPads and sophisticated machine learning algorithms are the foundation of Apple’s Center Stage. The more recent M1 iPad Pro, iPad Mini, and even the forthcoming iPad 2021 all include it. Unfortunately, older iPads do not have the necessary chip or front-facing camera. Therefore, it is quite doubtful that Center Stage would be added to previous iPads, such as the iPad Air from 2020.
Does Center Stage Only Work with Facetime?
You can relax if Facetime isn’t truly your preferred video conferencing app. Other video calling software is supported by Apple’s Center Stage. The Apple API is available to developers that want to add Center Stage support to their app’s functionality.
Which Apps Support iPad s Center Stage Feature?
A number of third-party apps, besides FaceTime, support the Center Stage function to make your video conversations more interesting and user-friendly. Zoom, Google Meet, WebEx, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Filmic Pro are a few of the programmes that are supported.
Does Center Stage Work with Zoom?
Zoom is compatible with Apple’s Center Stage natively. Users of iPads who are interested in checking it out must enter Zoom’s iPad settings for quick access. Once activated, Center Stage will automatically turn on and follow you around or zoom in on your face as intended.
Can I Use Center Stage on Mac?
There is a method to utilise Center Stage on your Mac even though Apple has only made it available on a few iPad models. As previously mentioned, you can rely on the Reincubate Camo programme to use the camera on your iPad as a webcam for your Mac. After that, using Center Stage on your Mac will be simple.
Make the iPad Camera Follow You Around with Center Stage
We wish you a tonne of enjoyment as you experiment with Apple Center Stage on your brand-new iPad. But there’s more to it than that. You may explore your device even more by using these top iPadOS 15 features. Along with these top cases and screen protectors, prospective shoppers may want to consider purchasing the new iPad mini 6. How did you find using Center Stage go? Please describe it in detail in the comments section.
